Yoga Improves Bone Density and Metabolism in Elderly Osteoporosis

16-Week Yoga Improves Bone Density, Metabolism in Elderly Osteoporosis: A Controlled Trial

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of a 16-week yoga program on BMD, bone metabolism markers, and physical fitness in elderly patients with OP.

To assess the effects of a 16-week yoga intervention on bone mineral density (BMD), bone metabolism, and physical fitness in elderly patients with osteoporosis. This randomized controlled trial enrolled 60 adults aged 50 years or older with clinically confirmed osteoporosis. Based on personal preference, participants were assigned to either a yoga group or a control group. The intervention consisted of supervised yoga sessions conducted twice weekly for 16 weeks. The yoga intervention included physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation/relaxation techniques. Health outcomes were assessed at baseline, mid-intervention (8 weeks), and post-intervention (16 weeks). Primary outcomes included changes in BMD at the lumbar spine and hips. Secondary outcomes comprised serum levels of osteocalcin, procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), β-CTX, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, phosphate, and performance in physical function tests, including grip strength, chair stand, single-leg balance, and timed up-and-go. This randomized controlled trial aims to find out the effect of yoga intervention on bone mineral density (BMD), bone metabolism, and physical fitness in elderly patients with osteoporosis.

Inclusion Criteria：

• age ≥50 years;
• diagnosed with osteoporosis using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA);
• able to independently perform required assessments;
• voluntary participation in yoga intervention.

Exclusion Criteria:

• secondary osteoporosis;
• severe cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, hepatic, or renal diseases;
• cognitive impairment;
• severe motor dysfunction;
• regular participation in structured exercise programs, such as yoga or resistance training, within the past six months.